NOTE: Carol Simon, Bridgewater Twp. Public Library’s youth services librarian (and fellow blogger) will present her one-woman show, Bridge Builder in Petticoats, about Emily Roebling (wife and assistant to the man who built the Brooklyn Bridge), at this State History Fair. Emily Roebling has been called “one of the most noted women in the country” and “the most famous woman in New Jersey”…yet today few people even know her name! You won’t want to miss it! www.tellingherstories.com
The 2016 Fair will feature some familiar faces from the past like Clara Barton, George Washington and Walt Whitman as well as such favorite activities as 19th baseball, horse-drawn plowing demonstrations, Phydeaux’s flying flea circus and period music.
New to the Fair will be several Civil War-themed programs to coincide with the exhibit of President Lincoln’s casket. This replica casket, manufactured by the Batesville Casket Company of Indiana, will be on display in the park’s Visitor Center. A local Civil War reenactment unit, the 14th NJ Volunteers, Co. H, will provide an honor guard for the casket and the Fort Delaware Cornet Band will perform music of the era on period instruments. Darrel Ford, portraying Walt Whitman, will read his poem, “Oh Captain, My Captain”, a tribute to President Lincoln. Kenneth Serfass , who will portray General Ulysses S. Grant, will reflect on his relationship and career with the late Commander in Chief.
Another exciting new program will be a fictional U.S. Army radio and live show, “SPAM Time,” modeled on actual entertainment presented to U.S. military personnel from WWII to the Viet Nam War era. A full day of pre-recorded and live musical entertainment will be presented.
